Jacksonville man accused of beating another man to death says it was self-defense

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A Jacksonville man is behind bars after admitting to beating another man to death, according to an arrest report filed by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

According to officers, Maurice Johnson, 32 claims he killed 22-year-old Jessie Bracelett in self-defense in a fight at Williamsburg Apartments Monday afternoon.

Witnesses called 911 to report the fight, and when JSO responded to the apartment complex in the 3700 block of Toledo Road they found Bracelett bleeding profusely from his chest and neck, the report says.

Those witnesses told police they saw Johnson straddling Bracelett and punching him repeatedly in the head and face before running away.

Officers said Jacksonville Fire and Rescue pronounced Bracelett dead at the scene.

While officers were at the scene they saw Johnson, who was wearing the same clothing that witnesses told officers they'd seen the assailant in the attack wearing. Officers noted that Johnson was bleeding from his left upper chest as he emerged from behind one of the buildings at the complex.

An ambulance took Johnson to Shands Hospital for treatment, after which officers said he voluntarily reported to the JSO Homicide office.

While interviewing with homicide detectives, Johnson admitted to killing Bracelett, but said he did it in self-defense.